Alchemy Bistro and Bar: Magical Experience over French Cuisine, Pizza and More (Durban St. Makati)

Makati, Metro Manila, Philippines

I've passed by Alchemy Bistro and Bar several times already.   I was honestly intimated and mistakenly thought itstriking facade indicated that it is a bar or disco place.  Good thing I was invited by Zing Rewards to try it out with them. 

alchemy bistro and bar
I was really surprised that it was a French restaurant with the owner and chef who specializes in French cuisine as she graduated from Le Cordon Bleu.  

alchemy bistro and bar

It has an elegant bar area with violet hue and bright lights highlighting the bottles.


alchemy bistro and bar
You can really feel the magic of the place through its bizarre interiors with gargoyle statues, hanged bicycles, odd displays and English influenced fixtures mix mashed together.  


alchemy bistro and bar

Aside from its casual dining area, there's also an alfresco area by their brick oven.


alchemy bistro and bar
But, I love the second floor more.  It also has a bar with a semi-alfresco area that gives you a great view of the city.


alchemy bistro and bar
This is also considered as their smoking area as it is not air-conditioned and well-ventilated.
 
alchemy bistro and bar

Food
Complimentary Bread Basket with Olive Oil

Small Plates

Baked Oysters (350 php)
The Baked Oysters is a superb starter with its freshness, cheesiness and size!

Pizza
alchemy bistro and bar
Since they have a brick oven, we found it difficult to desist from ordering pizzas.

proscuitto crudo
Proscuitto Crudo (430 php)
My meat-loving friends ordered the Proscuitto Crudo which had long strips of proscuitto ham and mozzarella.  The dough is thin so it was slightly crispy with the right degree of chewiness.  Although I like proscuitto, I couldn't help but wish that they were sliced into smaller pieces so the flavor would have been evenly distributed as it was too salty on some parts but not plain on the other parts. 


scandinavian
Scandinavian (460 php)
If you're a salmon lover like me, you'lll enjoy the Scandinavian with horseradish and capers that perfectly complements the salmon slices.
alchemy
Alchemy (450 php)
The Alchemy  has proscuitto, arugula, balsamic reduction with truffle oil and scamorza cheese.  This was similar to the Proscuitto Crudo but with more ingredients.  I liked this but more of the truffle flavor would have made this better.


Pasta 
Gnocci (280 php)

The smooth and soft Gnocci in subtle gorgonzola cream sauce topped with crispy pancetta is so addictive! 
  
tagliatelle
Tagliatelle (310 php)
The Tagliatelle has generous servings of baby scallops, shrimps, tomato cherries, zucchini with some pine nuts in creamy light saffron sauce.  This was well-executed.

Mains
roasted organic chicken
Roasted Organic Chicken (360 php)
The Roasted Organic Chicken is a quarter chicken served with sauteed mushrooms and french beans.  It also comes with rice pilaf and gravy.  Although the spiced blend is delicious, I found the chicken meat to be quite dry on some parts.
 
slow-braised australian lambshank
Slow-Braised Australian Lambshank (615 php)

Everyone gave their approval for the Slow-Braised Australian Lambshank  which was slow-cooked for over 40 hours.   The thick chunk of clean-tasting lamb meat easily slides off the bones.  It is served with sauteed carrot sticks, french beans and mushroom Mediterranean Couscous and gravy.  

Drinks
strawberry daiquiris
Strawberry Daiquiris
Fiery Passion

Zing Rewards
I'm also now a member of Zing Rewards Card which offers 5% rebate on partner merchant establishments (not limited to food).  I've actually used it already on several restaurants.  It works whether you pay by cash or credit card. It also has a partnership with AIG Philippines so membership comes with Wallet and Purchase insurance.  The Zing Rewards Card costs only 300 php good for 1 year validity.  For more info check out http://www.zingrewards.com.  
 
Tsinoy Foodies Verdict
Alchemy Bistro and Bar is a great magical place for affordable French dishes with a one of a kind ambiance.  The passionate chef and owner is very hands-on with her new restaurant so you'll sure to have a pleasing experience. 

Tsinoy Foodies Review Rating Alchemy Bistro and Bar Menu
Ambiance Menu
Taste
Service
Price
=Favorites or Recommended 
Alchemy Bistro and Bar
Business Address Polaris Corner Durban Street, Poblacion, 
Makati City, Metro Manila
Business Hours Mon: 5pm-2am
Tues-Sun:  11am-2am
Payment Options   Cash
Service Charge 10%
Budget/Person 350-1,500
Free WiFi No
Unlocked Foursquare Perks None
Contact (02) 500-7398
Other  Facebook Fan Page | Website
Disclosure: Food was provided for by Alchemy for the Zing Team.

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